Manjira : Traditional Indian Musical Instument

Manjira : The Marajiras comprise of a pair of small metallic cymbals used for imparting rhythm. These are normally flat in shape and contain circular discs connected by a cotton thread passing through a hole in their centers. The Manjiras produce a pleasant sound and are usually played to accompany Devotional Music in India. They can create attractive rhythmic variations and are sometimes played solo to make the music more interesting.

In the South, the instrument is called Jalra, Jalar or Jalara and is used as an accompaniment to devotional music. There are many varieties of cymbals belonging to this family. The Talam and Kuzhitalam of Tamil Nadu comprise of a pair of basin-shaped cymbals, the tinkling of which sounds very pleasing when played with soft music during a dance or drama recital or devotional songs.